MTFCA Forum

What was the original clear windows made from on the convertible tops and side curtains? Was it plastic? Siri says plastic was invented in 1907.

Mom called the window material sewin into the side curtains izzinglass. I don't know how it is spelled or anything else about it.
Art Mirtes

Mica sheet.

The windows in the rear top curtain and side curtains were made from celluloid.

Some folks refer to them as isinglass but that is incorrect. True isinglass is made from fish bladders. Mica glass used in wood and coal stove windows is also referred to as isinglass. However, I don't believe that mica glass is flexible like celluloid.

Below is an original, NOS side curtain from a set for a touring with its original celluloid windows.

Most were celluloid of nitrated cotton or wool mixed with solvents diluting with amyl acetate for a clear flexible film or some very early were isinglass ( eisenglass , from German 'iron glass' ), made from thin sheets of mica, but not flexible.

Motion picture film!

Were they clear as modern glass is? I had a curtain that had the remains of the celluloid or whatever in it and it was hazy. Probably pretty clear when new?

Celluloid windows were pretty good when new, but faded with sun, rain, scratched and got hazy.

So you still see these Hastings frames and real glass at swaps even today, they were useful for the owner who wanted to look back![/b]